Saab to Debut New 9-5 SportCombi at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Swedish automaker Saab went through a bit of a rough patch in 2009, but has since introduced two strong, new products as part of its resurgence. And it’s just announced it will officially unveil another at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in the form of the new 9-5 SportCombi.

We’re rather impressed with Saab’s new 9-5 sedan, having sampled a number of them in various trim levels and expect similar of the SportCombi. It features the same chassis setup with Saab’s DriveSense adaptive chassis control that allows the driver to switch between three chassis settings -- comfort, intelligent, and sport. Intelligent mode is actually intelligent as it learns your driving style and adapts to it. Saab’s torque-vectoring, XWD all-wheel-drive system is also available along with adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, push-button starting, tri-zone climate control, and a heads-up display.The interior carries over from the 9-5 sedan as well, which means it’ll feature the same soft-touch materials and well-appointed seats as the sedan. Overall, we found the interior a very nice place to sit, if a bit dreary in all black -- lighter parchment and gray leather colors are available as well to lighten the mood.

Powertrains are another carry over from the 9-5 sedan, with a choice of a 2.0-liter, turbocharged I-4 or a turbo, 2.8-liter V-6. Both engines are more than adequate for the sedan, but we actually found the I-4 more to our liking because of the availability of a precise six-speed manual transmission and the absence of some 800 extra pounds on the V-6 models. Front-wheel-drive is standard -- along with the manual -- with the I-4 with all-wheel-drive available as an option. Saab’s excellent, XWD all-wheel-drive is standard on V-6 models as is a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.As you’ve probably noticed, the only real difference then between the sedan and SportCobmi is bodystyle. The SportCombi features the same Aero X-inspired front-end styling as the sedan, just with a wagon-profile, complete with Saab’s signature wraparound rear windshield, for added versatility. Replacing the trunk with a true wagon-style rear hatch means that total cargo capacity is around 56 cubic feet with the seats down and 19 cubic feet with the seats up. The sedan’s trunk will swallow roughly 18 cubic feet worth of gear. Additionally, Saab has installed what it calls a smart tailgate, which allows owners’ to select how far the tailgate will open, saving the hatch from opening too far when inside a parking garage.Unlike a number of other automakers -- BMW and Volvo notably -- that have pulled out of the U.S. wagon market, Saab is bringing the 9-5 SportCombi to the U.S. It will launch this August, but a spokesperson said in reduced trim levels and likely only the top-of-the-line Aero version. If this holds true, it will only be offered with the 2.8-liter, turbocharged V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission -- unfortunate as we’d love to be able to row our own gears in a 9-5 wagon. Look for pricing and full model selection to be announced closer to the car’s on sale date.Source: Saab

Keep in mind that all of these new SAAB products were developed by GM. So, I guess we're all giving them credit at the moment and not Spyker.
Honestly, SAAB should start making their XWD standard across their whole lineup. It would produce technological advance and give their cars a nice quirky, quality feel, like Subaru. XWD is already pretty darn excellent.
I can't wait to see the new 9-3. I'm excited

Not bad... but all I can think is how essential it is for Saab to have a volume seller right now... i.e. new 9-3 and possibly the 9-2. Halo cars are great but Bimmer survives on 3-series and Mini sales, not 7 sales. There's a reason that firms like Rolls, Bentley and Lamborghini got bought up by big companies that peddle vehicles to the masses... Unfortunately for Spyker neither their cars nor the 9-5 are quite as iconic as a Rolls and should they fail to be able to stay afloat I don't think anyone is too eager to take over.

First, I'd again like to say how much I hate the fact that Americans buy wagons in such low numbers and second that I think the 9-5 SportCombi looks great and that I'm glad that they'll at least sell it here in the states. And that if I were to get one it's obviously be the 4 banger, albeit with some of the Hirsch aftermarket parts (that are also covered by SAAB warranty) so I can get the same power (or very near it) but having less wheight in the darn thing!!!

Seriously, I don't know why people don't by wagons anymore. They're more reliable the CUV's,SUV's, or double cab trucks. Besides if your in the dog house with the Misses, one can always fold the front passenger seat flat an u got your bed for the time being. This Saab Aero Wagon, is nice. I think they will do better without G.M.